Thanksgiving After Communion
These prayers are often said after liturgy in the Church. Many parishes begin reading these prayers during the veneration of the cross. If so, parish tradition may include singing some of the hymns or having the priest begin or end the prayers. You are not obligated to read these prayers again. It is also appropriate to read these prayer privately at home.
Glory to you, O God! (3x)
Prayer I:
O Lord my God, thank you for not rejecting me because of my sins. Instead you have invited me to your table to partake of your Holy Mysteries. Unworthy as I am you have called me to partake of your pure and heavenly Gifts and so I raise my hands to you in thanksgiving. Lord and Lover of All, who died and rose again for us, you provide for us these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the wellbeing and sanctification of our souls and bodies. Grant that these may be for the healing of my soul and body, for the averting of everything hostile, for the enlightenment of the eyes of my heart, for the peace of the powers of my soul, for unashamed faith, for sincere love, for the fullness of wisdom, for the keeping of your commandments, for an increase of your divine grace, and for familiarity with your Kingdom. Grant that being kept in your holiness by these Mysteries I may ever remember your grace, and never live for myself but only for you, our Lord and Benefactor. When I have passed from existence here in the hope of eternal life, may I attain to everlasting rest, where those who keep festival make endless song and where those who behold the ineffable beauty of your face live in boundless joy. You are the one true desire and the unutterable gladness of those who love you, O Christ our God, and all that is sings to you. Amen.
Prayer II, of St. Basil the Great:
Lord Christ our God, King of the ages and Creator of all, I thank you for all the blessings you have granted me and for the communion of your pure and life-giving Mysteries. Good Lord and Lover of all I pray you to keep me safe under your protection and within the shadow of your wings. Grant that until the end of my days I may worthily partake of your holy Gifts with a clear conscience, for the forgiveness of my sins and for life eternal. You are the Bread of Life, the Source of Holiness, the Giver of all that is good, and to you we send up the glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer III, of St. Symeon the Translator:
You give me willingly your Flesh for food, you are fire, burning the unworthy, do not burn me, O my Creator, but enter into me for my salvation, into my members, all my joints, my affections, and my heart. Burn up the thorns of all my sins. Purify my soul, sanctify my mind; strengthen my joints and bones; illumine my senses. Nail down the whole of me with the fear of you. Ever protect, guard, and keep me from any soul-destroying word and act. Sanctify, purify, attune, and rule me. Adorn me, give me understanding and illumination. Make me the house of your Spirit, and no longer a habitation of sin. By virtue of this communion you dwell within me: Make every evil spirit and passion flee from me like fire. As my intercessors before you, I name all the Saints, the Commanders of the Bodiless Hosts, your Forerunner, the wise Apostles, and your all-pure Mother. Receive their prayers, my compassionate Christ. And make your servant to be a child of light. For you alone are our sanctification, O Good One, you alone are the illumination of our souls, and as is right we give to you as our Lord and God glory at all times.
Prayer IV:
Lord Jesus Christ our God may your Holy Body be eternal life for me. May your Precious Blood be the forgiveness of my sins. May this Eucharist be joy, health, and gladness for me. And, through the intercessions of your holy and most pure Mother and of all your Saints, at your glorious return make this sinner worthy to stand at the right hand of your glory. Amen.
Prayer V:
All-holy Lady, Theotokos, the light of my darkened soul, my hope and protection, my refuge, my consolation, and my joy, thank you for making this unworthy sinner to be a communicant of the immaculate Body and precious Blood of your Son. Bearer of the true Light illuminate the spiritual eyes of my heart. Life-giver to the the Source of Immortality, give life to me for I am dead in sin. Compassionate and loving Mother of the merciful God, have mercy on me and give me compunction and contrition of heart, humility in my thoughts, and the return of my reasoning from its captivity to sin. Until my last breath, let me receive the Holy Mysteries without condemnation for the the healing of soul and body. Give me tears of repentance and confession, and tears of thanksgiving, that I may praise and glorify you all the days of my life. You are blessed and glorified for ever. Amen.
The Song of Symeon:
Now you may let your servant go in peace, Master, as you said you would. For my eyes have seen the salvation you prepared for all people: a light to enlighten the nations and to give glory to your people, Israel.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O, Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, in heaven, holy be your Name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from the evil one.
For the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom:
Grace like a flame shining forth from your mouth has illumined the universe, and revealed to the world treasures of poverty, and shown us the height of humility. And as by your own words you teach us, Father John Chrysostom, so intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
You have received divine grace from heaven, and with your lips you teach all men to adore the one God in three Persons. O John Chrysostom, most blessed Saint, we rightly praise you; for you are our teacher, revealing divine things.
For the Liturgy of St Basil:
Your proclamation has gone out into all the earth teaching divine wisdom to all by your words expounding the nature of creatures and ennobling the human culture. O holy father of a royal priesthood, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
You were revealed as the sure foundation of the Church, granting all a kingdom which cannot be taken away, sealing it with your precepts, venerable Basil, revealer of heaven.
For all liturgies, continue here:
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Unfailing Intercessor of Christians, O Constant Mediator before the Creator, despise not this cry of prayer from us sinners: in your goodness, come quickly to the help of all who call upon you in faith. Hasten to offer swift intercession and prayer, Theotokos, who ever makes intercession for those who honour you.
Lord, have mercy. (12x)
Glory to you, O Jesus Christ, Our God and Our Hope, Glory to you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Theotokos Save us!
More honourable than the Cherumbim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, in virginity you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Lord, bless!
O Jesus Christ, Our God, through the prayers of our holy fathers and mothers have mercy upon us. Amen.
